(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

On behalf of the Dojo Partners, we would like to voice our collective support for the proposed Somernova campus expansion project. We are made up of organizations who have all directly benefited from The Dojo at Somernova and we are; Somerville Bike Kitchen, Mystic Learning Center, Better Future Project, Parkour Generations Boston, Somerville Media Center, Somerville Community Corporation, Riverside Community Care, Somerville Foundation, Books of Hope, Youth Stream, The Center for Teen Empowerment, Highlanders FRC 6201, Elizabeth Peabody House & DEILAB.

With feedback from many partners and the community, in 2021, Rafi Properties/Somernova established The Dojo, a youth-driven multi-generational community space pilot that connects and empowers people of all ages and backgrounds through immersive learning, cultural experiences and fun. To date, the Dojo has hosted hundreds of programs and events with thousands of attendees and visitors of all ages. Programs and events ranging from robotics competitions to financial literacy seminars to open mic nights, weekly bike kitchens, sustainable fashion shows, educational programs, game nights and much more. The Dojo has been a lifesaver for many of us, allowing us to collaborate and test programs. Each of us, and our youth participants, have collaborated on what should be included in the new community center. The design and scale model for the permanent youth driven community center is part of Rafi Properties/Somernova’s campus expansion.

We as nonprofit collaborators are rapidly outgrowing the capacity of The Dojo, we are working together to utilize every inch. This space is invaluable to us and there has been little to no cost for any of our programming. Not paying exorbitant rent allows us to divert our resources towards service. Our wish is that we are moving towards the construction of a permanent home for The Dojo. As part of the Rafi Properties/Somernova expansion plan, this space would offer 12,000 square feet, housing a youth-driven, multi-generational community center. This space would allow us to expand our programming and amplify our impact within the Somerville community. Best of all, it will be run by the community.

Those of us who are partners with The Dojo struggle to keep programming going in Somerville. Space that can be used at low to no cost is a challenge to find, rents have skyrocketed and for those of us who have advocated for a community center for decades, this could be a dream come true. The families, youth and community of Somerville deserve a safe space to learn and grow and a nurturing environment to call their own. We, the partners of The Dojo, support the Somernova expansion project. Below are some quotes from the Dojo partners.

“SBK lost its previous space in 2023 and we are grateful that our partnership with Somernova at The Dojo has enabled SBK’s operation to not only continue but to further thrive,” said Andrea Aparicio of the Somerville Bike Kitchen. “Since joining The Dojo, we have doubled the amount of guests that we serve every month, and this factor continues to increase. We support the expansion that would allow Somernova to provide increased support to community organizations like ours, such that we are able to grow our programming and community network.”

“As a human service professional for over 35 years and the Executive Director of the Mystic Learning Center Inc., I see that we need change within the City of Somerville,” said Tracey Strearns, Executive Director, Mystic Learning Center. “We need to work together for a common goal. Progression is inevitable and huge change comes with each passing year – it is our time to embrace those who seek to improve and help us grow our community. Rafi Properties/Somernova are here to help us do just that. They have come to the table to hear what the community needs and have listened to what its residents have to say. They have our utmost respect and support!”

“We are thrilled for the Better Future Project to join Somernova and make our new home in The Dojo,” said Alan Palm, Executive Director of the Better Future Project. “Through our programs—350 Mass and CREW—Better Future Project addresses the climate crisis by organizing people to take collective action to stop climate pollution and build resilience. The vibrant, innovative, community at Somernova and youth centered space of The Dojo is an auspicious setting to carry out our mission.”

“We’ve enjoyed partnering with The Dojo @ Somernova over the last 5+ years as it has provided a much-needed citywide “hub” for youth-serving programs and young people. I grew up in Somerville (SHS ’05) and even as a kid there was a lack of safe and accessible spaces that offered high-quality programs. Somerville needs spaces specifically designed for young people, not just ones where we happen to let congregate during certain times,” said Blake Evitt, Director, Parkour Generations Americas. “We have great programs in Somerville, but many of them struggle to find space, afford space, or deal with the headaches of managing a space. The Dojo @ Somernova is a unique opportunity to combine the (significant) support of a forward-looking developer with the passion of our diverse landscape of high-quality programs to fill a (large and enduring) hole in our city’s landscape.”

“The Board of Directors of the Somerville Media Center is proud to support Somernova in their visionary master plan for campus development,” said Jesse Buckley, Board President, Somerville Media Center. “In our search for a new home, Somernova emerged as a dedicated and enthusiastic partner and their commitment to SMC has already enhanced our operational capabilities and expanded our community outreach. The inclusive vision outlined in Somernova’s master plan, particularly the creation of a community center and arts space, resonates deeply with our mission. We are excited about the potential to contribute meaningfully to this transformative initiative. Together, we envision a future where collaboration thrives, innovation flourishes, and the community benefits immeasurably.”

“Somerville Community Corporation has been working with the Union Square Neighborhood Council and Rafi Properties to continue discussions that supports affordable housing, community center, workforce development and other important initiatives that will benefit our community,” said Gonzalo Puigbo, Chief Executive Officer of the Somerville Community Corporation. “Conversations between all groups continue to move forward to get to a comprehensive community benefits agreement that will benefit the needs of residents and our city economy.

“Since its inception, The Dojo @ Somernova has been a cornerstone for numerous non-profits and youth-serving organizations, offering a welcoming space for programming and collaboration, ” said Kimberly Martin, Assistant Vice President Child and Family Services of Riverside Community Care. “The center’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment has not only provided essential resources for families and youth but has also facilitated meaningful networking opportunities for service providers. This unique ecosystem of support is instrumental in addressing the diverse needs of our community.”

“The Dojo @ Somernova has been essential for running programming funded by The Somerville (Education) Foundation. The gathering of program leaders at The Dojo created the new and innovative Green Team Bike Division, led by Groundwork and Somerville Bike Kitchen. Several communities where youth can create, express themselves, and make or cultivate friendships, call the Dojo home,” said Rafael Vieira, Manager of The Somerville Foundation. “This community space is not just for youth, but for youth workers as well. I especially support the expansion if it includes conference spaces for use by community organizations and nonprofits. Please know that there are many passionate people seeking to serve the Somerville community, and their work is bottlenecked by a lack of accessible space.”

“As a youth worker in Somerville for over a decade, I know how urgently our young people need a space where they can come for free arts and cultural programming, ” said Erich Hagen, Director of Books of Hope/ YouthStream. “Under the guidance of Director Majic Alphonse, The Dojo expansion plan should guarantee the availability of space for such programs for today, and build sustainability for tomorrow by supporting the great work already being done by youth workers in our community.”

“Somernova has a been a reliable, long-term supporter of many community programs. The SHS robotics program found itself homeless in 2019 when the High School was being rebuilt. Somernova offered space for the team to meet and has since provided venues for middle school Lego robotics and other STEAM programming,” said Michael Chiu, Co-Founder & Parent Volunteer, Highlanders 6201. “Rafi has done a great job to date and has been innovative in the existing Ames Envelope facilities. However, the overall site has much more potential to bring transformational value to the city in the form of high paying jobs, more efficient buildings, more green space and a new hub for community engagement where youth can interact with startup companies through outreach, programming and internships.”

“Somernova has been used by the city in different ways and will continue to be a big help for the community,” said Ashley Saint Hilaire, Program Director, The Center for Teen Empowerment. “We hope the whole city agrees with how the youth feel.”

“Somerville is crying out for more programs, services, and spaces that are dedicated to supporting, uplifting, and empowering our diverse youth population,” said Mathew Caughey, Executive Director, Elizabeth Peobody House. “Spaces like the Dojo are unique in offering dedicated space for youth to gather, share experiences, co-create, self-advocate, and affect change in their own lives and communities. This is why we lend our voice and support to this expansion project.”

“Somernova has been a crucial partner for us with our mission to reach even more students in Somerville,” said Ethan Busis, Program Director, DEILAB. “We’ve run many programs with them over the years and have always been impressed by the dedication they have creating more opportunities for local youth. I’m especially thankful that they collect, value, and act on student input, instead of just dictating what they think youth may be interested in. We’ve heard feedback from students that they want a ‘third place’ to belong to beyond school and home, and the current Dojo community center is a great step in that direction. We hope that Somernova is able to expand their community center and be able to serve even more local youth in the years to come!”